Severe Weather Information

The decision to close the school either before or during the school day will be made by the Headteacher of the school in consultation with the Assistant Directors of Learning & Achievement, the Director of Learning & Achievement or the Chief Executive Officer of the Multi Academy Trust. The school will only be closed if one or more of the following conditions apply:

Insufficient staff are able to come in to keep the school running safely;

Conditions on site are dangerous.

Conditions are considered to be or are anticipated to later become too hazardous for travel.

Should very severe weather conditions prevail, the following procedures apply:

The school will remain open at all times and children will be expected to attend school unless:

You have been notified of school closure this will be through Parent Pay and the school website;

Closure information has been posted under “Emergency School Notices” on:

Radio announcements have been broadcast, listing the schools as specifically being closed. Please listen to local radio station - BBC Radio Bristol

Children live too far, and conditions are too bad even to attempt a journey.

Parents are expected to check emails and the website and/or make themselves aware of the radio broadcasts when it is clear that a closure is a possibility.

The school appreciates that during bad weather children may arrive later than normal; parents should endeavour to contact the school to let them know they are on their way if likely to be delayed. The school recognises there will be isolated instances where families are cut off, even where the clear majority of children can get into school. In such instances parents should inform the school of the circumstances of this exceptional situation, as the school has a duty to clarify the circumstances of each case so as to be able to formally authorise the absence to the Local Authority.

Parents acting on the assumption that the school would be closed without gaining confirmation, or failing to inform the school of the circumstances that prevents the child coming into school risks their child being registered as an unauthorised absence.

Where the school is officially closed, all pupil absence is counted as authorised absence.

In the event of snow some pathways will be cleared and salted. Parents, children and visitors will be made aware that pathways, even where cleared, do remain dangerous.

Before and after school opening hours parents are responsible for ensuring their children do not slide on the school playground.

During adverse weather conditions, the playground may be out of bounds to parents and children at the beginning and end of the school day.

We will endeavour to make a decision about school closure as early in the day as practical, ideally before 7am. Parents/carers will then be contacted immediately by Parent Pay and a notice will be put on the front page of the school website. PLEASE DO NOT PHONE THE SCHOOL.

After a period of closure, a message will be sent to parents/carers to advise them of the school’s reopening via Parent Pay. Messages will also be posted on the school website.

In the event of the school having to close during the day due to unforeseen worsening weather or similar unforeseen circumstances, parents will be contacted by text message or phone either at home or work and asked to collect their child/ren. Such an early release will only be contemplated in very extreme circumstances. Children will not be sent home unless accompanied by a parent or adult nominated by a parent.

It is unlikely that a prediction will be made about the day following a day of closure due to severe weather. A decision will be made each day, as above. Every effort will be made to keep the school open and parents should ensure that children should attend.

Vision

Together we inspire, through our Christian values, unique individuals who believe they can achieve more than they ever thought possible in mind, body and spirit. Through nurture and challenge, we provide a firm foundation to enable all to thrive, to lead and serve in their life long journey as local, national and global citizens.